ESA Research Fellowship: Lunar Prospecting

A Research Fellow is sought to engage in both independent and supporting research in preparation of future lunar exploration via the PROSPECT package on the Luna-27 mission. Work topics include the investigation of specific problems related to the PROSPECT investigation in the areas of sample contamination, volatile loss and –preservation, sensor calibration (permittivity sensor, cameras and illumination unit, temperature sensors), and in particular the definition and optimization of PROSPECT operations concepts for maximizing the science output. Additional topics may include contributions to data processing, calibration and archiving of PROSPECT and PILOT data.

The Research Fellow will work closely with the lunar lander team, to address important scientific questions that affect the PROSPECT design and performances. The candidate will also develop and refine PROSPECT operations concepts and related constraints based on inputs including review of test results regarding their impact on science performance and operations. This will involve working closely with the members of the PROSPECT User Group / PROSPECT science team, members of the PROSPECT industrial consortium, and with colleagues in ESA including the PROSPECT project scientist, to perform multidisciplinary research in support of an optimized PROSPECT mission. The generation of technical notes in support of the PROSPECT development activities and of publications on performed scientific investigations is expected. The specific interests and proposed research of the Research Fellow will be taken into account and given priority where possible.

The Research Fellow is also expected to create research and collaborative links as needed with other areas of HRE as well as ESA’s Science Directorate and ESA’s Technical Directorate in order to profit from existing expertise and for exploiting synergies within ESA’s various activity areas.

Further information and application information can be found here. The closing date for applications is 31 January 2019.